BitFenix Neos Computer Case Review

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BitFenix Neos Overview

So as usual let’s start with the outside of the case. BitFenix decided to send me the white version with the white front mesh. This case does not come with a windowed side panel however BitFenix kindly sent one anyways. If you are planning on obtaining a windowed side panel I suggest you go to the BitFenix online store as they usually have them in stock.

At the front there is a mesh panel with two 5.25″ bay openings. The aluminum BitFenix logo can be found on the bottom as with most BitFenix cases. There is no noticeable color shifts between the plastic vessel of the front cover and the paint finish of the side panels. The holes in the front mesh are larger than most mesh panels I have seen in the past, this should give the Neos slightly better ventilation.

At the back is the usual layout of a mid tower with 7 expansion slots, a bottom mounted power supply, a back I/O cutout hole near the 120 mm fan and four rubberized thumb screws that hold in place the side panels. The top expansion slot cover is missing as BitFenix expects you to populate it with a graphics card, however they do include an extra expansion slot cover with the accessories. The expansion slots are also covered by a plastic cover, leading to the question what is it hiding?

Both side panels are simple and plain. Once I removed one of them I found myself with a side panel that flexed so much that it was actually a hard task to place it back into the retaining holes. It is clear now that BitFenix might have done some hefty sacrifices to keep the costs down. This pattern can also be seen in the top panel as it also exhibits plenty of flex. This should not affect the functionality of the case, but it does give some insight to the overall build quality of the BitFenix Neos.

The front Input/Output panel can be found on the top. It features a power button and a reset switch, a microphone and a headphone jack, one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 ports. There is also a power indicator light and a hard drive activity light that are illuminated by a really nice soft white LED. There is no label for the microphone and headphone jacks which is a big annoyance if you have really bad memory as you will find yourself guessing which is which.

Removing the front panel I noted that the I/O panel actually stays in place, a nice feature at this price point. There is also a dust filter for both 120 mm fan mounts,which unluckily are also part of the dust filter. If you decide to populate both fan mounts you will have to remove the fans each time you clean the filter. Behind the filter we find the storage bays which have some pretty big holes to allow airflow through and not choke the fans. If you are planning on using all the hard drive bays we would recommend a better case as this will definitely limit the airflow of the BitFenix Neos.

At the bottom there is no fan mounts, meaning that this case only has a total of three fan mounts. There are four plastic feet that keep the case off the floor and allow some air into the power supply. There is also a removable fan filter on the power supply intake, meaning that even though this case only has three fan mounts it is fully dust prove if you decide to use the back fan as an exhaust.

1 comment

You know, the moment I saw the Neos it just screamed “Rebranded Comrade!” And after reading this, I think that comment stands. The designs, both inside and out are nearly identical. The only real differences being the mesh on the front and the I/O panels.